NEW YORK--July 6, 2006--SCI FI Channel unearthed compelling evidence of an ancient and previously unknown maritime culture in the Bahamas while conducting research for its July 7 special 'Quest For Atlantis: Startling New Secrets.' SCI FI commissioned an expedition to the famed "Bimini Road" off the coast of Bimini Island, a place believed to hold evidence confirming the existence of the mythical city of Atlantis. The artifacts found there call into question the very truths that encompass one of mankind's greatest mysteries. "There was not, supposedly, anyone in the Bahamas at that time [when the artifacts were believed to be in use]," says Dr. Greg Little, an Atlantis expert who led the expedition for the Channel, "there's an unknown maritime culture there."

Who these ancient mariners were and where they came from remains a mystery. Dr. Little theorizes that these sailors had transatlantic range, "coming from the Canary Islands to the Bahamas, perhaps" to trade. Wherever they hailed from Dr. Little believes the artifacts uncovered in his expedition are evidence of a "pretty extensive maritime culture" in the pre-Columbian Bahamas.

Hosted by NBC News' Natalie Morales, 'Quest For Atlantis: Startling New Secrets' presents some jaw-dropping evidence in its unprecedented exploration in search of the lost city and evidence of its ancient inhabitants. Premiering on Friday, July 7 from 9-11pm ET/PT, 'Quest For Atlantis: Startling New Secrets' is a 'SCI FI Declassified' special that will join myth and legend with the findings of respected archeologists and explorers in an effort to find the truth behind this most celebrated of lost civilizations.

Like the successful 'Countdown to Doomsday' hosted by Matt Lauer and the 2005 special on the Bermuda Triangle hosted by Lester Holt, 'Quest For Atlantis: Startling New Secrets' is a two-hour 'SCI FI Declassified' special produced in a partnership with NBC News Productions. SCI FI's 'Declassified' specials examine some of the most controversial topics of our time in an effort to separate science fact from science fiction.

SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 85 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.